Filed under: Macworld, Software, Productivity
Microsoft Office 2008 screenshots
UB posts
QTAmateur does full-screen playback, batch exporting, more
QTAmateur brings a lot of the handy QuickTime Pro features to the table without having to pay the $30 upgrade. Full screen video playback (with a more streamlined, iTunes 7-like video window) and batch exporting of any format QuickTime can read and write make for a handy little app.QTAmateur is free, Universal and available from Mike Ash, a Rogue Amoeba programmer.
Filed under: iLife, Cool tools, Productivity
Keyword Assistant for iPhoto goes Universal
Keyword Assistant is a stellar iPhoto plugin that dramatically simplifies the chore of adding keywords to images. In fact, one could go so far as to say Keyword Assistant brings tagging to iPhoto, but we'll let you judge for yourself. As you can see, it adds a menu item to iPhoto, as well as a simple, smart popup window that allows for comma-separated tags. We call this keyword entry utility 'smart' because it can auto-fill
This can't-iPhoto-without-it plugin just went Universal, and it is still provided as freeware from Ken Ferry's .Mac homepage. KA requires 4.0.3 or 4.0.4 and Mac OS X 10.4.7, and is localized for English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish.
Filed under: OS, Software, Productivity, Universal Binary
Hazel - automated file management
Hazel is one of those rare pieces of software (with a strange name) that feels like it's filling a gaping feature void I didn't even know Apple left in Mac OS X: it's a powerful, rule-based file and folder management app that brings a little bit of Automator, AppleScript and Folder Actions to the table in a way that none of those apps and features do well on their own. Hazel installs as a System Preferences Pane and, as you can see, allows you to build a list of folders on the left with a list of toggle-able rules on the right. The on/off switch on these rules is key, as they make it easy to switch between running certain kinds of rules on a folder for different workflows, jobs, times of the day or week.
Filed under: Software, Internet Tools, Universal Binary
Universal Binary of Flash Player 9 released
Adobe has cranked out a Universal Binary of Flash Player 9 for Intel Mac consumption. Strangely, a PowerPC-only build is still available on the download page, though Insanely Mac is reporting that it's an earlier build.If you're interested in what's actually new in this latest version, check out Adobe's page with the full details.
Filed under: Software, Weekend Review
Weekend review: this week's software for 8-06-06
I hope you've cleaned out your downloads directory, because we have another roundup of software for the week of 7-30-06 to 8-5-06:Shareware
- Pukka 1.3 - del.icio.us bookmarking utility gets private 'mark and AppleScript support
- Packrat 0.87 - killer offline Backpack client (probably the only) receives page link editing and creation
- TubeSock - Rip, mix, save and convert YouTube videos for your iPod
- WiLMa - automatically change default network, printer, SMTP servers, desktop wallpaper, system volume and more based on Mac OS X Locations
- Audio Hijack Pro 2.7 - big podcast recording update to an already killer audio app
- Apple Security Update 2006-004 - many bugs and security holes were put to rest
- kip - iPhoto for your documents (digital or otherwise)
- Afloat - killer Mac OS X plugin/utility that brings transparency and 'always on top' options to all Cocoa apps
- Quake 4 demo - Aspyr finally gets a clue, releases demo of $50, hardware-hungry game
- Picasa Web Album Uploaders - Google releases standalone uploader and iPhoto plugin for their Picasa web photo sharing service
- Doodim - darken background apps (a la Exposé) for better concentration
- Back/Center Stage 0.6 - open source media center project receives Apple Remote support, new UI and Intel-friendliness
- NeoOffice 2.0 Aqua Beta - major update to the non-X11 OpenOffice client
- ShapeOnYou - handy and integrated basic 3D drawing app
- Photoshop Automator Actions v3 - major update to rocking set of around 50 actions for automation with and without Photoshop
- DashMail (formerly QuickMail) - quick email widget, works with addresses from Gmail, AOL, AIM, Yahoo! , .Mac and custom servers. Remembers addresses and subjects, with Address Book support in the works
- iPick - magic card trick widget
- Reuters Yahoo! Widget - 10-line Reuters news widget for Yahoo! Widgets (formerly Konfabulator)
- Telescope - Basecamp widget
- Camino (Intel-optimized) - Mac OS X-friendly Mozilla browser receives an Intel-only optimized build
Filed under: Software, Weekend Review
Weekend Review: this week's software for 7-30-06
It was another packed week for software premieres and updates, so here is a roundup in case you missed them the first time around:Shareware
- Groupcal 3 - manage your Exchange calendar from iCal
- EyeTV 2.3 - Front Row-like menu and speed boosts
- OmniPlan (beta) - OmniGroup's brand new project management app
- BurnAgain - powerful and standards-compliant multi-session 'smart' CDR/RW burning utility
- Rax 2 - virtual rack software for musicians
- Übercaster (beta) - all-in-one podcasting application
- NewsFire 1.4 - feature update for popular RSS reader
- mira 1.1 - make your Apple Remote control more than just Front Row
- Automator action to change wallpaper
- Fenêtres Volantes (Flying Windows) - gorgeous 3D screensaver that gives your open windows something to do
- Suggest-a-ZOT - be the first to suggest a new macZOT app, get a free copy
- Skype 1.5 beta and video preview - more Mac OS X integration and a 'preview' version with video support
- iStat Pro 3.0 - powerful system monitoring widget gets a major upgrade and a new UI
- bpiDash - finally, a second widget for Backpack
- Basecamp - widget for 37Signals' much-loved online project management service
- Flip4Mac - QuickTime codec for playing Windows Media files
- ShapeShifter (beta) - Unsanity's Mac OS X skinning utility gets a speed boost (thanks Intel!)
- Now Up to Date and Contact 5.3 - contact management software
- MaxMenus - application launcher
- LiteSwitch X - application switcher
- Democracy Player - popular and powerful IPTV player gets the Intel treatment
Filed under: OS, Software, Hacks, Mods, Universal Binary
Unsanity releases beta of Universal ShapeShifter
In a post aptly titled 'At Long Last!', Unsanity announced a beta of a Universal version of ShapeShifter, their UI haxie for skinning Mac OS X. As the post states, your Intel Mac can finally "get its spank on" (what on Earth are those guys at Unsanity selling??). Obviously, as their post states, this is a beta so things could very well go wrong with it. On the upside this Universal version should work just fine with any guiKit (skin) that you throw at it.This ShapeShifter 2.4 beta version is a free upgrade for registered 2.x owners and is available from this Unsanity blog post.
Filed under: Software, Weekend Review
Weekend review: this week's software
In case you missed them the first time, here is this week's review of software releases, updates, thrills and spills:
Shareware
Shareware
- Call Recorder plugin for Skype - don't blackmail without it
- Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.2.5 - vulnerability and bug fixes
- Mouseposé 2 - new features for the premier mouse highlighting app
- CamiScript 4.0 - AppleScript menu plugin for Camino
- Boot Camp 1.0.2 beta - detail-less update to Apple's Windows-on-a-Mac utility
- Firefox 2.0 beta 1 - pile of new features, including (finally) spell checking, to the flagship Mozilla browser
- newTunes - check new releases by artists in your iTunes library
- FileMaker 8.5 - impressive 100% speed boost for both Intel and PPC-based Macs
Filed under: Software, Internet Tools, Universal Binary
Google Earth goes Universal
Google has not only released a beta (of course) version of Google Earth with loads of juicy new features and enhancements, but it has also gone Universal. I can't find any official information at the Google Earth site about the Universal update, but MacUpdate has a link with all the pertinent info. Also in this Intel-friendly release is:
- SketchUp integration
- embedded Navigator interface (top-right, overlaying the 3D view)
- Localized client to French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Textured 3D Model files can be loaded (Collada XML file format)
- Layers: new Core/All/"Now Enabled" views
- Full screen mode now allows searching (use F-11 on the PC)
- Press the '/' key to access Search from full screen mode
- Scale Legend
- Full resolution imagery across entire screen
- Terrain quality preference setting
- Improved Garmin GPS device support
- Toolbar (replaces navigation panel previously shown below the 3dview)
- Diagonal arrow-key navigation (up arrow + left arrow simultaneously)
- Tristate checkboxes in Places/Layers folders
[thanks kisstheirng!]
Filed under: Software, Odds and ends
Weird software: Lonesome Electric Chicken
I wish I had a more insightful or enlightening explanation for what the Lonesome Electric Chicken is, but I'm afraid there really isn't one. As its author, John Schilling, states on his site, it's a: "time and life wasting application that spews forth a gathering of quotations. That's it. Don't look any farther into it than that".
Killer app? Or scourge of cyberspace? Either way, John has made the source code available with this Universal Binary app, and he is accepting donations for his most interesting work.
[via Hawk Wings]
Filed under: Software, Internet Tools
Surprise - Thunderbird 1.5.0.4 released with Universal goodness
Right alongside Firefox's update today, Mozilla has also brought Thunderbird up to the 1.5.0.4 (.3.2.1.12) version with a big improvement for Intel Mac owners: Universal Binary super-powers. Also in this update are security and bug fixes. Let us all take a moment of silence in remembrance of the bugs who lost their lives in the making of this update.One thing I am not sure of, however, is if that GmailUI extension we blogged earlier will work after this update. Does anyone know?
Filed under: Audio, Software, Video, Internet Tools, Universal Binary
DivX 6.5 offers Universal Binary player, encoder
DivX has released what Macworld is calling their first official player for Mac OS X (though I could have sworn I've used DivX software in the past in a pinch). In case you aren't familiar: DivX is an independent video codec that has quite a strong following, and it isn't just for computers; many portable devices and even some DVD players support the DivX codec, offering a useful alternative to the sometimes difficult and clunky DVD burning standard.The company didn't short us on options either - this 6.5 Universal Binary release includes a stand-alone Converter application, as well as DivX 6 codec software for QuickTime so users can convert their video from within any QuickTime-compatible video software. A 15-day free trial of DivX 6.5 is available, at which point you must register for $19.99 to continue using the conversion software; the player, as always, remains free.
Filed under: Software, Internet Tools, Universal Binary
Delibar goes Universal
Delibar, what I consider to be the missing link of social bookmarking, has been updated as a Universal Binary. No other major new features have been added, but this is a welcome update to my favorite tool for accessing del.icio.us bookmarks from the menubar.
Delibar is donationware and available from Matteo Rattotti's site.
Filed under: Multimedia, Software
EazyDraw 2.0 - illustration and drawing for Mac OS X
EazyDraw dubs itself as a "balanced vector drawing application," and from browsing its feature list, that sounds just about right. It looks like it has a nice array of illustration tools and abilities including some CAD-related features like wall and window tools, as well as drawing on a grid. EazyDraw can even import and edit old school files from Claris Draw, Mac Draw II and Mac Draw Pro.
EazyDraw is a Universal Binary, and a demo is available. Licensing the app, however, is a little strange: a full download license can be had for $95 (CD in the mail is $115), but you can also purchase a nine month license for a mere $20. Take that as you will, but if you've been looking for a solid and feature-rich illustration app, EazyDraw probably has you covered.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
